A LEAGUE OF HER OWN: Quite a run

Wednesday

Apr 23, 2014 at 1:15 PMApr 23, 2014 at 1:15 PM

By Heather Gillis Harrishharris@wickedlocal.com

Of all the amazing memories that were created during the 118th Boston Marathon, one stood out to me more than others. It was the post-race interview given by Massachusettsís native Shalane Flanagan."I love Boston so much and I really wanted to do it for my city," said a visibly upset Flanagan after finishing seventh place with a personal best time of 2:22:02.My children and I tuned into the race on the television at my home in Mansfield. I explained to them why this yearís race was so important. That bad people killed and hurt so many during last yearís Marathon in an effort to scare us for reasons too hard to explain or understand, even for me.I told them that this year, so many were running, cheering and supporting in an effort to show we are united; as a city, as a country, as a world, as a community Ö that hate only fuels us to push back with love.The entire race we watched as Flannaganís blonde ponytail bounced as she led the pack of elite runners. Her pink running shoes hit the pavement with each gazelle-like stride. The focus on her face Ö this woman had something to prove.I became annoyed with the announcers who kept saying she was going out too fast, too strong and would undoubtedly lose the race because of her efforts. That was all they could focus on.So what if she lost? What Flannagan was doing in front of millions meant far more than winning and losing.With each mile she provided inspiration, she gave America and Boston a face. She represented strong women looking to push themselves to their limits, and gave young girls seeking a positive role model someone to look up to.Flannaganís heart was on her sleeve, or rather her bare running arm.As the other runners started to pull ahead of her around the 20-mile-mark, my kids and I found ourselves cheering, even though she couldnít hear us.We kept looking for her at the finish line. Six other runners crossed the blue and gold banner before her, but all eyes were on her. Flannagan collapsed after she crossed. We all felt her heart break, and knew even before she said it, that she was trying to win one for her country, her city."Iím so sad I couldnít do it for Boston Ö I wanted my love for Boston to be portrayed in my race today," she said.I hope she realizes thatís exactly what she did. She reminded us, itís not always about winning. We arenít always going to achieve the goals we set for ourselves.Some of us arenít going to make a lot of money, we arenít all†going to be married for 60 years, we arenít all able to have children, we donít all own a large house and arenít all working in our dream jobs.But Flanaganís courageous run reminded us all that it truly is about the journey, not the destination.Heather Harris is a reporter for The Country Gazette. She can be reached at hharris@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @heatherharrisWL. Follow the Gazette on Twitter @CountryGazette.